Since the DOT enacted new laws in October ‘24, flight compensation has become much easier for travelers. No longer can the airlines make their own individual rules-they now have a DOT set they must follow. Currently they are required to refund passengers for flights cancelled or significantly changed FOR ANY REASON. This includes “uncontrollable” factors such as weather. To receive a refund, passengers must:
-Refuse the changed flight schedule
-Reject the option to rebook on an alternate flight
-Turn down alternate forms of compensation such as airline vouchers
“Signifcant Change” includes:
-Departure/Arrival time more than 3 hours domestically or 6 hours internationally
-Departures/Arrivals from different airports
-Increases in the number of connections
-Instances where passengers are downgraded to a lower class of service
-Connections at different airports or flights on different planes that are less accessible or accommodating to a person with disabilities
Refunds must be issued automatically “without passengers having to explicitly request them or jump through hoops”. They must be prompt- within 7 days for credit cards and 20 days for other methods and MUST include the full amount the customer paid, including the taxes and fees minus unused portion of the ticket
Stay tuned for a future post on refunds for late luggage and inflight services!
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